Bijou Boltholes

Escape the city smog, for this cool and snazzy abode sitting pretty within its own Gloucestershire farm. Go Cart Barn is totally unique, inside and out with a sprinkling of retro cool. It has been designed and renovated to a high standard and boasts the very best fixtures and fittings. The property is set within the grounds of a private farm - as you drive down the private track surrounded by pastures you get a mix of pure relaxation and excitement for what awaits. If access for the less mobile is required, please advise the owners prior to arrival.
With an open plan living/dining room this social design is great for bringing everyone together, wine dine or chill it’s all catered for. A top of the range kitchen with feature electric range, great for whipping up culinary delights during your stay, accompanied with state-of-the-art appliances throughout. After dining, retreat to the cosy sitting room area, with projector to stream the latest movie releases. Outside, guests can enjoy the six-person hot tub, barbecue, fire pit, elevated patio, large walled garden so that all the fun is contained within your own private space.
Beyond your trendy Forest of Dean bolt hole, Wye Valley and the Welsh Border Country are easily accessible, as is Cheltenham with its races. Picturesque Cotswolds towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water and Burford, and many National Trust properties are all worth a visit, as well as lovely towns and villages such as Newent, Ross, Newham and Monmouth. If exploring and adventure is on the agenda, you are spoilt for choice with the Forest of Dean, Severn and Wye Valleys, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds all on your doorstep. Perfectly located to enjoy a trip to the ancient cathedral and historic docks of Gloucester, and approximately half an hour’s drive from Cheltenham’s festivals and regency promenade for a spot of designer shopping and fine dining. There are excellent walks and mountain biking trails directly from the farm to May Hill and the surrounding area.
The Red Lion pub is just 5 minute’s walk, The Leaf café and garden centre 3-minute walk. May Hill brewery, Longhope bakery and Harts Barn craft centre just a 5-minute drive. There’s an outstanding restaurant and wet fish counter at Severn Wye smokery, Chaxhill (10-minute drive). Also, a private chef can be arranged from Harts Barn cookery school if required. It is also close to the International Centre for birds of prey and the Three Choirs Vineyard nearby for a spot of bird watching followed by some wine tasting. Within easy reach of the picturesque Wye Valley, including Tintern Abbey and Symonds Yat. Adrenalin junkies are well catered for too, in Gloucester you have the dry ski slope for a day of boarding or tobogganing, off road cycling and treetop rope adventures to be found within the Forest of Dean. Paddle boarding is a firm favourite and available at Gloucester Docks and the picturesque Symonds Yat on the Wye River.

This stunning semi-detached barn conversion provides spacious and luxurious accommodation. Located in the quiet rural village of Stalmine, the property is ideally placed for exploring Lancashire, the Fylde Coast and beyond. Thoughtfully designed both inside and out, the barn offers luxury comforts including a beautiful and well-equipped kitchen, contemporary bathrooms, attractive comfortable bedrooms, Wi-Fi, and a wood burner which is perfect for those winter evenings.
Outside is equally impressive with a decked patio area that enjoys far reaching countryside views. The patio provides a wonderful space for hosting a barbecue, whilst the children can play games on the large lawned garden. The property boasts a private hot tub which can be enjoyed all year round, and should the great British weather take a turn for the worse, you can retreat to your ‘Cave’. This has been built by the owner as an indulgent folly and is weatherproof and with a means of heating.
Stalmine is located approximately 5 miles from the small market town of Poulton-le-Fylde which has a good selection of shops, bars, and cafés. Other places that are worth a visit along the Fylde coast include Thornton Cleveleys with its old-fashioned charm and promenade, 7 miles, Fleetwood with its Freeport Outlet Shopping Village, 10 miles, and of course Blackpool, 9 miles, whose many attractions include The Tower, Blackpool Zoo, Pleasure Beach, Sea Life Centre, and Madame Tussauds.
Apart from being accessible for the coast, Carr End Barn A is also well-placed for exploring rural Lancashire. Ribble Valley with its pretty villages is within an hour’s drive, and it’s an excellent choice for walks and country pubs. The Forest of Bowland, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, can also be reached within an hour’s drive. The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales are also very accessible by road and can be reached in an hour. The city of Lancaster is just 13 miles away and Preston is 19 miles. Beach 9¾ miles. Shop and pub ½ mile, and restaurant 3 miles. This property can be booked together with ref. LR8 to accommodate up to 18 guests.

Immerse yourself in the magnificence of this stunning former farmhouse of Fountain Hill Farm which is set on its own in the ‘picture-postcard’ Pembrokeshire countryside. It has fabulous views of the Preseli Hills, while a tributary of the River Nevern meanders at the bottom of the orchard. This grand farmhouse is teeming with character and offers a very high level of comfort throughout, with solid oak floors, beams and an original inglenook fireplace, which really do complement this property. A natural stone porch opens into a large reception area which features a wood burner set in a Welsh stone inglenook fireplace with a slate hearth, and oak stairs to the first floor. A dining room adds to the character and charm, with exposed stonework and a bespoke dining table. Here you can enjoy formal dining with family and friends, or maybe enjoy a barbecue al fresco on the patio, where there are uninterrupted views over the beautiful Preseli Hills, or just relax in your private hot tub. In the evening, you can retire to one of the two living rooms complete with a cosy wood burner - this property really does offer everything for that perfect getaway. The large master suite offers fantastic views, with even your very own observatory making the most of the magnificent views here at Fountain Hill.
Positioned at the foothills of the Preseli Hills, it lies close to the quaint hamlet of Eglwyswrw, and is conveniently on the doorstep of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which offers fantastic walks through the hills and on the coastal paths, as well as horse riding, fishing on the Rivers Teifi and Nevern, and even sea fishing and wildlife spotting. There is also golf within 8 miles, as well as kayaking nearby. The historic market town of Cardigan is only a 15-minute drive away, and nearby are a host of beautiful beaches such as Poppit and Newport Sands or Cwm-Yr-Eglwys and Pwllgwaelod. This rugged and sublime Pembrokeshire coastline really is worth a visit. The historic market town of Cardigan has a bustling high street featuring the famous Cardigan Castle, many antique and craft shops, together with an abundance of restaurants and cafés. Travelling south, you can discover the famous walled town of Tenby with its award-winning beach, or take a trip to Caldey Island or Oakwood (Wales’ largest theme park) or the award-winning Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, all of which will make the perfect day out. Beach 9 miles. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 3½ miles.

Inchmurrin lodge is ideal for a family break. With 3 bedrooms and a sofa bed, this beautiful lodge sleeps up to 6 adults plus 1 child.

Carr House farmhouse is set on a working farm, but only minutes away from the attractions of Scarborough and only 1½ miles from the well known surfing beach at Cayton Bay, which also welcomes dog walkers throughout the year. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the large landscaped gardens with a summerhouse, apple trees and barbecue, with a perimeter fence making it ideal for both children and pets. This detached farmhouse is ideal for touring the North Yorkshire coast, from Whitby in the north to Bridlington in the south. A short journey inland takes you to the North York Moors, ’Heartbeat’ Country and Pickering for the steam railway, whilst York for its historic attractions is less than an hour away.

For activities nearby there is Dalby Forest for cycling and tree climbing, Wykeham Lakes for fishing, or the many beaches which offer the chance to just relax, sail, surf, sunbathe, paddle, and build sandcastles. Scarborough is a vibrant seaside resort with lots of family attractions, such as the waterpark, Sealife Centre and crazy golf, as well as a funfair, ice-cream parlours, amusements, and donkey rides. It also boasts superb live entertainment at the Open Air Theatre, with major acts booked each summer, and shows at the Scarborough Spa and the renowned Stephen Joseph Theatre. Beach 2 miles. Shop ¾ and pub 1 mile.

Bwlch Y Person Barns are beautiful conversions of traditions Welsh long barns. Located in a tranquil setting surrounded by rolling countryside, these wonderful properties boast character, charm and all the comforts for the perfect countryside holiday with a resident barn owl in the grounds. Close to the borders of both mid and south Wales, these very comfortable properties provide perfect holiday accommodation. The four cottages, Cartws (ref OH3), Stabl (ref OH4), Beudy Bach(ref OH5) and Beudy (OH2) form a right angle shape with parking in front, with lovely views across the countryside and all have their own terraces with furniture. Families will appreciate the separate recreational area with football posts and nets, picnic bench and table set away from the cottages. For added enjoyment, all four cottages feature their own private hot tubs in their enclosed patios.
All are ideally placed for exploring the dramatic and truly scenic Ceredigion coastline. The picturesque and colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron is only 6 miles away where there is a selection of interesting independent shops and a great choice of restaurants and eateries including, fish and chips, ice cream parlour and fine dining. The National Trust house and gardens of Llanerchaeron are 4 miles away and from here there’s a delightful level pedestrian country footpath, suitable for bikes, pushchairs or wheelchairs, which leads into Aberaeron. Pretty New Quay with boats bobbing about in the harbour is just a few miles further on, and is definitely worth a visit. You must look out for the resident pods of bottlenose dolphins seen in the bay on an almost daily basis! Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate larger groups.

Enjoying a quiet setting with panoramic views across the extensive grounds and on towards the beautiful Cairngorm mountain range, Sunnyside House makes just the perfect base for exploring one of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Scotland. The house has been equipped and furnished to a high standard which will ensure you have as supremely comfortable and relaxing holiday as possible, with your every need taken care of. Robes are provided for after a soak in the hot tub and dog beds, cages and dishes are included for your four-legged friends.
Located just a mile or so from the centre of the village of Carrbridge and only 11 miles from the vibrant town of Aviemore, both situated in the heart of The Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way, Sunnyside House can be used as a base to explore or to relax and unwind. Carrbridge has the usual village facilities with a larger range available in Aviemore. The area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities – skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking and a variety of water sports on nearby Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey, zip lining and zorbing are just a few of the myriad of activities available. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain funicular railway, the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre or the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park which is just a short distance from the house – a superb day of fun for all ages. Visit the lovely Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Leisure Resort in Aviemore with its wonderful array of leisure activities.
Further afield, take a trip to the beautiful west coast and the Isle of Skye or a day trip to the Orkney Islands is well worth the effort. Visit the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches – voted in the top 20 of the best coastline destinations in the world. This is an area with so much to offer, see and do for all ages. For the less energetic, you can sit back by the side of the wood burner or soak in the hot tub and let the stresses of everyday life slip away. So many happy and unforgettable memories will be made on your holiday in Sunnyside House. Beach 24½ miles. Shop 1½ miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Nestled in the tranquil grounds of Ashtree Court, these adjoining cottages (five in total) with a shared heated indoor pool really are some of the most delightful cottages you will find in the area. Within 5 minutes of the glorious sandy beaches and easy reach of the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, these four extremely comfortable cottages form a small select group overlooking a central courtyard and enjoying shared use of a heated indoor swimming pool and children’s play area. Set in 4 acres of beautiful mature gardens they offer the ideal location for a relaxing holiday and for touring the coast and wolds. There is excellent coarse fishing just 300 yards away and golf (handicap required) is available at the well-known Seacroft links golf course and Northshore (no handicap), which are both nearby. Within easy reach are the famous Battle of Britain Aircraft Museum and the East Kirby Lancaster Museum, RSPB Gibraltar Point, NT Gunby Hall, Snipedale Nature Reserve and Forest, and the historical city of Lincoln with its cathedral, castle and excellent shopping. Antique hunting can be enjoyed at Horncastle 18 miles away, and Louth offers a lovely traditional market town. Skegness and Ingoldmells with its seaside attractions, is just 2 miles. Shop and pub 1 mile.

This glorious barn conversion has been meticulously designed and restored to create a luxurious holiday some for families and friends to enjoy. With open plan kitchen and dining area, the perfect space to come together and enjoy meals with your loved ones. Plus, large living area with games to keep the family entertained. Three kingsize bedrooms on the ground floor all with their own en-suite shower rooms. A spiral staircase leads to the large mezzanine, master bedroom, with kingsize bed plus en-suite bathroom, with bath and shower. Smart TVs in all downstairs bedrooms. From the lounge you will find sliding patio doors to the private and enclosed, rear and side garden, with private hot tub to sit back and relax in after a day exploring the local area. There is also a patio firepit and wood is included. A bespoke garden corner seating area, with built in firepit or drinks cooler, providing the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining on a warm day.
The Owl Barn is in a secluded spot, at a Hobby Farm within the owner’s grounds, there are chickens, turkey’s and ducks on site – Children are welcome to help with egg collection. Up to two well behaved dogs (kept on leads) are welcome (more dogs can be agreed with the owner before booking) and there are also dog kennels provided adjacent to the property in a shady spot, if you wish to go out for the day, sole use for Owl Barn guests. An enclosed horse paddock is also available for dogs to run free, horses accepted by request and private arrangement. Perfect for nature lovers, the owner offers access to a tranquil private nature walk within their grounds. Where you can enjoy the local nature. There is a pond and river at the end of the grounds, so please pay attention to warning signs and always supervise children and dogs. There are owl boxes in the trees with fitted cameras, which you will soon be able to view.
Conveniently placed, in the Norfolk village – Saham Toney, next door to an 18 hole Golf course and within a 5-minute drive to Watton, for all essential shops. Local pub within 1 mile. If you would like to explore the local area, Thetford Forest for high lodge forest adventure, Go Ape high ropes course and lots of great cycling and walking routes are just a 30-minute drive. Or take a trip to the stunning North Norfolk Coast and visit the long stretches of sandy beaches in traditional seaside towns, located within an hour’s drive. Norwich – a fine city, is well worth a visit. Offering something for everyone, with an abundance of independent and high street shops and restaurants, nestled within modern and medieval architecture and just a 40-minute drive.

The Cart Shed has been built to the very highest of standards and is a super detached holiday home in an excellent location and adjacent to the owner’s home. All on one level with large windows, excellent standard furnishing and top quality fixtures and fittings, guests will find that The Cart Shed is the perfect location for a quiet, luxury, well-earned family holiday or a super celebration spot for friends and family to enjoy spending quality time together. Absolutely ideal too for guests with limited walking abilities, all of the rooms are spacious, accessible and really well laid out. The open plan living area boasts a solid wood floor, beautiful wood burner and sliding doors that open the room out into the private garden area. The kitchen area is very well finished with excellent quality fixtures and fittings and ample modern appliances including a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, electric hob, electric oven and washing machine. With high ceilings and quirky wooden beam feature this room is a delight to sit in and would make a great place for family meals and celebrations. Further along the hallway, guests will find two double bedrooms each with a zip and link bed and views across the garden and beyond. The master bedroom offers equally spacious accommodation and a super kingsize bed as well as a very useful en suite shower room with shower cubicle, heated towel rail and underfloor heating. The family bathroom is once again finished to a high standard and offers a free standing bath, separate shower cubicle, heated towel rail and his and hers wash basins – luxury indeed.
The small village of Witton Gilbert has a thriving community and boasts a local farm shop and a couple of great pubs that sell good food all year round. A great spot too for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths from the village leading into the city and beyond into the scenic countryside of County Durham. Durham itself has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is packed full of historic and interesting sites to visit. The cathedral and castle dominate the market place and must be visited at any time of year as there are often popular exhibitions being presented. Also great for a spot of lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, there are many quirky tea shops, restaurants, bistros and the smallest gin bar in the county. The River Wear runs through the city and guests will be able to take a river cruise along it or enjoy a row in a rowing boat. The Lumiere Festival takes place every couple of years in November and brings the city to life with live art, music and light shows in the open air theatre that the city becomes. A little further afield but still within an easy 30 minute drive, guests will be able to take a day trip out to the very popular Beamish Living Museum of the North, see the famous Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the MetroCentre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.